Have you ever seen homes that are really decked out with fun modifications for their cats? Things like shelves, bridges, tunnels, poles, bowls, or catios? These are all examples of catification, a term coined by cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy. Catifying means designing living spaces to meet the natural needs and instincts of cats. Through design, you can create a stimulating and enriching environment for your cat that will provide them mental, physical, and emotional health benefits.
Cats need vertical spaces, surfaces to scratch, and hiding spots in their homes to feel safe and content. Providing proper outlets for instinctual behaviors like scratching and climbing helps prevent destructive behaviors - like clawing at your furniture or climbing the curtains. Offering hiding spots and cozy nooks can help keep cats calm, reducing anxiety and stress as well as unwanted behaviors like inappropriate urination.
Cats LOVE to climb and they enjoy hanging out up high and watching their environment from above where they are safe and out of reach. Providing plenty of vertical spaces like multi-level cat trees or shelves gives them the opportunity to explore and survey their environment just as a cat in the wild would. Consider putting the cat tree near a window so your cat can monitor the outdoors as well as get mental stimulation from watching any wildlife that passes by. You can also buy window seats or beds so your cat can get really close to the action outside.
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Cats scratch to mark their territory, stretch out their bodies, or keep their claws nice and healthy. Some cats prefer to scratch vertically while others would rather scratch horizontally. There are a variety of materials available for scratchers including sisal, carpet, or cardboard. Offer an array of options to your cat and see what they prefer. You can entice them to scratch on their scratchers by sprinkling catnip on or around them too.
Cats enjoy hiding out and resting in cozy spots like covered cat beds or cubbies, especially when they’re elevated. Out of reach hiding spots will be irresistible to most cats since they offer comfort AND security.
In order to stay mentally stimulated and physically active, cats need plenty of play and enrichment. Having fun places to explore and roam can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors and keep your cat active and engaged.
You can really deck out your home with wall tunnels or bridges or floor to ceiling sisal poles so your cat can run, climb, jump, and play and really enjoy being a cat. Then you can play with your cat on multi-levels. Run a wand toy around the room, giving your cat opportunities to chase and pounce on different surfaces and at different heights. Wand toys are meant to give cats the feeling of stalking and catching prey, so really make them work for it! Don’t forget to reward them with a treat after a successful hunt so they feel satisfied!
Through catification, you can create an environment where your cat can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. By understanding your cat's needs and designing your home around them, you can enhance your cat’s health and happiness, giving them the best possible life with you.
Love, Nala
